15+ Best Things to Do in the Summer in the Valley (The Ultimate Phoenix Staycation Guide)
Summer in the Valley gets a bad reputation, but if you know where to go (and when to go), it can actually be one of the best times to explore everything Phoenix has to offer.
The crowds are smaller, luxury resorts offer major discounts to local residents, and you’ll often find some of the best hotel rates of the year. Whether you're looking for fun things to do in the summer in the Valley, planning a weekend getaway, or simply wanting to beat the heat, here is your ultimate local guide to enjoying a Phoenix summer staycation.
Quick Summary: Best Phoenix Summer Activities
Top Resort Pools & Waterparks: JW Marriott Desert Ridge, Hotel Valley Ho, Westin Kierland, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Arizona Grand.
Coolest Indoor Escapes: Musical Instrument Museum (MIM), Wonderspaces, OdySea Aquarium, Phoenix Art Museum.
Best Nighttime Outdoor Fun: Flashlight Nights at Desert Botanical Garden, rooftop lounges, guided night kayaking.
Local Budget Hack: Book midweek (Sun–Thu) for rates up to 50% lower, or use ResortPass for pool day passes without staying overnight.
1. Relax Poolside at One of the Valley's Incredible Resorts
You don't have to board a plane to feel like you're on vacation. Some of our favorite local resorts offer stunning pool complexes, world-class spas, and top-tier dining—making them the perfect escape when you're looking for cool things to do in Phoenix this summer.
Top Resort Staycation Picks:
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa: Home to the incredible AquaRidge Water Park, complete with an 890-foot lazy river, water slides, and private shaded cabanas.
Hotel Valley Ho: Mid-century modern style meets Old Town Scottsdale charm. Cool off at the OH Pool with craft cocktails and live weekend DJs.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess: Famous for its summer events, six distinct pools, dive-in movies, and the world-class Well & Being Spa.
The Phoenician: Pure luxury set right at the base of Camelback Mountain, featuring a multi-tiered pool complex and breathtaking desert views.
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa: Features the Adventure Water Park with a lazy river, water slide, and the FlowRider wave simulator.
Arizona Grand Resort & Spa: Perfect for families, boasting the massive 7-acre Oasis Water Park with an eight-story slide tower and wave pool.
Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale: A boutique, stylish spot nestled between Camelback and Mummy Mountains, offering stunning 360-degree scenery from its dual interconnecting pools.
Local Pro Tip: Not looking to book an overnight stay? Check out ResortPass, which lets you purchase day passes, daybeds, or cabanas at many of these local resorts without paying for a full night's stay.
2. Escape the Heat Indoors
When afternoon temperatures climb into triple digits, spending the day somewhere air-conditioned is essential. Luckily, the Phoenix metro area has world-class indoor culture, art, and entertainment.
Top Indoor Attractions in Phoenix:
Musical Instrument Museum (MIM): Easily one of the best museums in the world. With interactive exhibits and instruments from over 200 countries, you can effortlessly spend 3 to 4 cool, air-conditioned hours here.
Wonderspaces Arizona: Located inside Scottsdale Fashion Square, this interactive, rotating art show lets you walk through mesmerizing light installations with a cocktail in hand.
Phoenix Art Museum: Spend a quiet afternoon taking in classic and modern visual art. Afterwards, wrap up the evening with craft cocktails nearby at underground speakeasies like Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour or Melinda's Alley.
OdySea Aquarium: A massive, fully air-conditioned marine attraction in Scottsdale featuring underwater ocean tunnels, penguin exhibits, and interactive touch pools.
The Heard Museum: Located in Central Phoenix, this world-renowned museum offers incredible exhibits showcasing American Indian art, culture, and history.
Octane Raceway & Mavrix: Located in the Talking Stick Entertainment District, these adjoining venues offer indoor high-speed kart racing, boutique bowling, laser tag, and a massive arcade.
3. Take Advantage of Cooler Summer Evenings
One of the best parts of summer in Arizona is that the desert truly comes alive after the sun dips below the horizon. If you want to get outside without scorching, night adventures are the way to go.
Top Nighttime Activities in the Valley:
Flashlight Nights at Desert Botanical Garden: Grab a flashlight and explore garden trails after dark to spot nocturnal wildlife, night-blooming cacti, and special evening installations.
Rooftop Lounges with Skyline Views: Grab a drink and watch the desert sunset from high above the city at spots like Floor 13 Rooftop Bar in Downtown Phoenix, Outrider Rooftop Lounge in Scottsdale, or Lucero Rooftop Lounge in Tempe.
Guided Night Kayaking & Stand-Up Paddleboarding: Head out to Saguaro Lake or Tempe Town Lake for guided evening kayak trips under the stars—a peaceful and unique way to enjoy the water without the blazing sun.
Moonlight Stargazing Hikes: Many Maricopa County Parks offer ranger-led nighttime walks where you can safely experience the desert landscape and stargaze away from city lights.
4. How to Save Money on Your Phoenix Summer Staycation
One of the biggest advantages of planning a staycation during this time of year is local pricing. A few simple tricks to stretch your budget further:
Book Sunday through Thursday: Midweek room rates are often 30% to 50% lower than Friday and Saturday stays.
Ask for Arizona Resident Discounts: Many resorts offer special pricing exclusively for locals (use codes like AZRES online or ask over the phone).
Look for Spa-to-Pool Bundles: Booking a 50-minute spa treatment frequently includes full access to the resort’s pools and amenities for the rest of the day.
Look for Resort Credits: Many properties run end-of-season packages that include daily breakfast credits, waived resort fees, or food and beverage vouchers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Summer in the Valley:
What is there to do in Phoenix in the summer to beat the heat?
The best indoor activities in Phoenix during summer include visiting air-conditioned attractions like the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM), Wonderspaces, OdySea Aquarium, and the Phoenix Art Museum, or checking out indoor entertainment centers like Octane Raceway.
How do locals get resort discounts in Phoenix?
Many Valley resorts offer discounted summer rates specifically for Arizona residents. Look for special deal pages on resort websites or enter promo code AZRES when booking online.
Can you visit Phoenix resort pools without booking a room?
Yes! Services like ResortPass allow locals to buy day passes, daybeds, and cabanas at top resorts across Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe without paying for an overnight stay.
Enjoy Summer Like a Local
One of the best things about living in the Phoenix Metro area is that there's always something new to discover right in our backyard. Sometimes the best getaway requires nothing more than a short drive and a change of pace.
Have a favorite Valley staycation spot that we missed? Drop us a line or let us know so we can keep sharing the best local recommendations with our community!